THROAT SPRAYS AND LOZENGES

Throat sprays are appropriate when you are experiencing a sore throat caused by postnasal drip or during an acute flare-up of a chronic infection. Some products may contain an antiseptic that kills bacteria and fungus as it passes into the throat. Other functions of these products include coating the throat, reducing the inflammation and the pain of a sore throat, and facilitating easier swallowing. Products that are available
for sore throat relief contain topical anesthetics such as phenol (Chlo - raseptic), hexylresorcinols (Sucrets), benzocaine (Goldberger’s Super Troche Plus), and methanol (Cepacol).

COUGH SUPPRESSANTS

Codeine and hydrocodone are prescription cough suppressants. Dextromethorphan is an oral cough suppressant that is available in many OTC cough and cold remedies. Dextromethorphan is chemically related to codeine and acts on the brain to suppress cough but does not have the pain-relieving and addictive properties of codeine.

ANTISEPTIC MOUTH WASHES

Mouth washes reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, teeth, and gums related to sinus infections that can cause gingivitis, dental infections, and halitosis (bad breath).

CHEST RUBS

Chest rubs are OTC medications formulated to be placed on the chest. They provide heat to the chest, which can help warm the lungs and reduce inflammation. Some people mistakenly place this medication in and around the nose to achieve similar results. This is not a good ideabecause proper studies of this use have not been performed and some researchers believe that these products may cause negative effects on the mucous membranes and ciliated hair cells.